Anxiety in Kenya Kwanza after Raila-Ruto deal. What next for Rigathi, Mudavadi and Wetangula?
The recent political accord between President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga has ignited unrest within the Kenya Kwanza administration as its implications begin to unfold.
Dubbed a “broad-based” government, the agreement has led to a reshuffling of key political figures, potentially derailing the careers of some of President Ruto’s staunchest allies as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
Concerns are mounting among members of President Ruto’s camp that his efforts to accommodate Odinga’s allies in high-ranking government positions might come at the expense of his own loyalists.
Founding members of the ruling coalition are particularly uneasy amid reports that several senior state officials may be dismissed to create space for Odinga’s appointees.
Sources indicate that discontent is growing in the camps of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
Mudavadi and Wetang’ula who represent Western Kenya, signed a pre-election pact guaranteeing them a 30% share of government positions for their political outfits, Amani National Congress (ANC) and Ford Kenya respectively.
With Raila’s entrance and the subsequent appointment of former Kakamega Governor Wycliffe Oparanya to the Cabinet, the pact is likely to be sidelined.
Odinga’s influence in the region could also upset the existing power balance and now threatens the positions of Mudavadi Wetang’ula.
The reshuffle has sparked criticism from figures like Moses Kuria who argues that internal conflicts, particularly among leaders from the Mount Kenya region, led to their replacement by those favoured by Raila.
Laikipia East MP Mwangi Kiunjuri echoed these sentiments, warning that the region could be sidelined due to the new political dynamics.
Political analysts warn that the current situation mirrors the aftermath of the 2008 handshake between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga which resulted in major political power shifts.
via Correspondence…
